Injuries Weigh Heavily on All Blacks Ahead of France Test

The All Blacks’ northern tour has been marred by a series of injuries, with several players missing key matches due to various ailments. The latest casualty is flanker Sam Cane, who will be ruled out of the upcoming Test against France this weekend.

Cane sustained a deep cut on his head during the win over Ireland and required stitches, forcing him to leave the field. He is now under concussion protocols, which may limit his availability for the Italy match next week before he joins Japanese club Suntory Sungoliath on a three-year contract.

While Ardie Savea has stepped in to cover the openside position against Ireland, coach Scott Robertson has brought All Blacks XV captain Du’Plessis Kirifi into the squad as a closer like-for-like option. “It’s next man in and we back our squad,” said assistant coach Jason Ryan. “We back our squad and have no doubt whoever comes in will do a great job.”

Winger Mark Tele’a is also out of the French encounter, having suffered a hand injury that will keep him sidelined. However, utility Chay Fihaki will cover his absence, while Dutch-born lock Fabian Holland arrives to replace Sam Darry, whose season was ended by a knee injury.

In other news, centre AJ Lam has replaced first-five Harry Plummer, who suffered a leg injury during the win over Georgia. Plummer was initially set to start in place of injured Billy Proctor, but his season-ending injury has thrown up new selection challenges for Robertson’s coaching team.

On the positive side, better news comes from the front office as veterans Beauden Barrett and Codie Taylor emerge from their concussion treatment after taking head knocks against England. Both players are now clear to return to action, which could be a significant boost to the All Blacks’ squad depth ahead of the France Test.

The All Blacks XV completed their European swing with a 31-13 win over Georgia, but several of those players are now with the full national team, as the long season takes its toll on the squad. The French encounter will provide an opportunity for the All Blacks to gauge their fitness levels and test their resolve in the face of adversity.

As they prepare to take on France, the All Blacks must also contend with the influence of skipper and halfback Antoine Dupont, who was once again an influential figure for his side against Japan in Paris. The team will need to find ways to counter Dupont’s attacking prowess if they are to secure a victory in this highly anticipated Test.

Key Players Missing from the Squad

* Sam Cane (flanker)
* Mark Tele’a (winger)
* Harry Plummer (first-five)

Players Returning from Injuries

* Beauden Barrett (fullback)
* Codie Taylor (hooker)

New Additions to the Squad

* Du’Plessis Kirifi (centre)
* Chay Fihaki (utility back)
* Fabian Holland (lock)
* AJ Lam (centre)

With a strong squad and a wealth of experience, the All Blacks are well-equipped to overcome the challenges posed by injuries and French opposition. However, they will need to be at their best if they are to secure victory in this crucial Test.

The All Blacks’ northern tour has been marked by a series of setbacks, but the team’s commitment to depth and squad resilience remains unwavering. As they prepare to face France, the All Blacks will rely on their experience and unity to overcome adversity and emerge victorious.